Faith and practical help

You recently took over leadership of the Salvation Army in Hungary. What were your first impressions upon arrival, and what stood out to you about the Hungarian context?

Cornell Voeller: Our first impression was a very warm welcome. We were received kindly from the very beginning and quickly felt at home. Budapest is a beautiful city, and since we had previously lived in Europe, the transition was not difficult for us.

Of course, we first had to familiarize ourselves with administrative processes such as identification documents and official procedures. But within the Salvation Army, many people supported us, including with translations. That made the start much easier.

Candace Voeller: We also noticed the high level of politeness in everyday life. People greet each other, say thank you – this kind of appreciation is clearly felt. That impressed us greatly.

How would you describe the transition phase between your predecessors and your own leadership? What have you inherited, and where do you see room for new impulses?

Cornell Voeller: We already knew our predecessors from earlier years in the United States, so there was a good personal connection from the beginning. They stayed for several weeks to introduce us to the structures and gradually hand over responsibility. That was very helpful.

Our goal is to build on what they established. It is not about a break, but about continuity. At the same time, we are examining where new impulses make sense – particularly with regard to regional expansion and strategic development.

The international structure of the Salvation Army is generally similar but adapted culturally. Hungary belongs organizationally to the Switzerland–Austria–Hungary region, which creates clear responsibilities and points of contact.

You both have a long personal history within the Salvation Army. What originally led you to commit to this path rather than a conventional church or social career?

Candace Voeller: We both grew up in the Salvation Army. It was our church, our spiritual home. But the decision to become officers was more than tradition – it was a calling.

The Salvation Army combines faith with practical help. We do not meet people only with spiritual offers, but also with concrete support – food, shelter, guidance. This connection between faith and social responsibility was decisive for us.

Cornell Voeller: Our calling has deepened over the years. We have been pastors, youth leaders, social coordinators and leaders of community centres. The roles were different, but the core remained the same: to give people hope and support them in difficult life situations.

Has your understanding of “calling” changed over time, especially through your experiences in different countries and cultural contexts?

Cornell Voeller: Yes, definitely. As young officers, you think very concretely: where are we needed, what task is at hand? Over time, we have learned that calling is less a single assignment and more an attitude. It is about being ready to be sent, even into unfamiliar contexts.

International experience changes your perspective. You realise that social challenges differ everywhere, but fundamental human needs remain similar: dignity, hope, belonging.

Candace Voeller: Today, calling means flexibility and humility above all. We do not come as “problem solvers,” but as people who learn. Every culture has its own strengths and ways of dealing with hardship. Our task is to listen and develop sustainable solutions together.

Hungary faces very specific social challenges – from homelessness and poverty to migration and demographic change. Which issues do you currently see as most urgent?

Candace Voeller: A key focus remains work with the Roma community as well as youth and education projects. Education is crucial for sustainable change. Rehabilitation programmes for victims of human trafficking are also important.

Many of our staff have themselves experienced poverty and exclusion. That creates trust and encounters on equal footing.

Cornell Voeller: Homelessness and poverty remain central issues. At the same time, it is important not to reduce people to their circumstances. Behind every statistic there is always a personal story.

It is important to us to see the individual – with physical, emotional and spiritual needs. If we only look at structures, we risk losing the human perspective.

How does the Salvation Army balance its spiritual mission with professional social work in an increasingly secular society?

Cornell Voeller: For us, the two are inseparable. We often speak about seeing the whole person – physically, emotionally and spiritually. Our institutions provide professional social and medical support, while pastoral care and counselling are also available.

A Christian denomination is not a requirement for employees in the social sector. What matters is that they share the organisation’s values.

Candace Voeller: Transparency is important to us. We explain not only what we do, but why we do it. Compassion, professionalism and responsibility are key principles. Especially in a secular environment, clear communication and credible action are essential.

Cooperation seems to be part of the Salvation Army’s DNA. Which partners – church or secular – work particularly well in Hungary?

Candace Voeller: We see ourselves as part of a larger network. When we pool resources, we avoid duplication and can help people more effectively. Our goal is not visibility, but impact.

Cornell Voeller: Cooperation is not an option for us, but a necessity. Social challenges are too complex to handle alone. We work with church partners as well as secular organisations and local social services.

This includes ecumenical initiatives, theological institutions and various social facilities. Especially in the medical field, we see potential for even closer cooperation.

Do you see potential for closer cooperation with other faith-based or value-driven organisations in Hungary?

Cornell Voeller: Yes, definitely. Especially in areas such as medical support, logistics and volunteer work, synergies can emerge. It is important to define clear roles and shared goals.

Candace Voeller: We aim for complementarity, not competition. When different organisations contribute their strengths, it creates added value for those in need. We remain open to dialogue.

Leadership of a faith-based organisation involves difficult decisions. What is the biggest challenge for you personally?

Candace Voeller: Good leadership means being there for teams, listening to them and strengthening them. Many work in demanding environments, such as homelessness support or with vulnerable groups.

Cornell Voeller: The biggest challenge is aligning vision with resources. Needs often grow faster than available means. Leadership therefore also means setting priorities – and sometimes saying no.

At the same time, we must not lose sight of our mission. Otherwise, there is a risk of “mission drift”.

How do you ensure humanity, professionalism and accountability are equally maintained?

Cornell Voeller: Transparent communication is key. We explain not only decisions, but also the reasoning behind them.

Candace Voeller: We encourage feedback and open dialogue. Compassion alone is not enough – it must be combined with professionalism and structure, without losing human closeness.

Where do you see the Salvation Army in Hungary in five to ten years?

Cornell Voeller: We want to expand nationwide and achieve sustainable financial stability. The goal is to strengthen existing programmes and develop new initiatives, especially in youth work and with Roma communities.

Candace Voeller: We also hope for greater public awareness. Many people still do not know about the available services. Visibility means access to help.

What gives you hope when you look at Hungarian society today?

Candace Voeller: It is moving when people who once received help later return as staff or volunteers. That shows change is possible.

Cornell Voeller: We are impressed by the resilience of many people. Despite challenges, we see pride, solidarity and a willingness to take responsibility.

What can individuals do to support the Salvation Army in Hungary?

Cornell Voeller: Information is the first step. People are welcome to visit our institutions or attend events.

Candace Voeller: Volunteering, professional support or donations are all options. People can also support us easily through the one-percent tax designation in Hungary. Every contribution counts.